Push-in connector



y 1966 R. HANSEN 3,252,124

PUSH-IN CONNECTOR Filed June 18, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet l Juventor: Poser Hansen ATT'XS.

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PUSH-IN CONNECTOR Filed June 18, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 LL u.

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PUSH-IN CONNECTOR May 17, 1966 Filed June 18, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 311W iii: ii iiiiii Inventor.- Pa 687' Hansen y 1966 R. HANSEN 3,252,124

PUSH-IN CONNECTOR Filed June 18, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 I la 4 39 30a 3 0 Fig. 6

Jnvenlor: Raeer- Hansen.

ATT'YS.

United States Patent 3,252,124 PUSH-IN CONNECTOR Roger Hansen, Luxembourg, Luxembourg, assignor to Wago-Klemmenwerk G.rn.b.I-I., Minden, Westphalia, Germany Filed June 18, 1963, Ser. No. 288,754 Claims priority, application Germany, June 26, 1962, {utility model) W 28,511; Oct. 9, 1962, W 33,090 7 (Ilaims. '(Cl. 339-47) This invention relates to a push-in type connector for connecting electric contact elements.

Conventional connectors of the push-in type for coupling electrical circuits, such as telephone lines, multiwire cables and the like have the drawback that the two parts of the connector are of'different construction.

The known push-in connectors for making multiplepole connect-ions are unreliable and otter no absolute safety that the connector will not accidentally pull apart.

. For single-pole connections so-called twin blade push-in connectors are known which contain interengaging flat contact elements each comprising a pair of spring contact blades.

The object of the present invention is the provision of a multiple push-in type connector which has a plurality of contacts disposed on a relatively small circular plate and which consists of two halves constructed of substantially identical components to reduce the number of spare parts which may be required and generally to simplify electroinstallational 'work.

According to the invention, a push-in connector for electrical circuits comprises, two halves with identical coupling members, at least two axial guiding faces provided on each of said coupling members and two coupling rings for pulling said engaging coupling members tightly together.

In a convenient form of construction the coupling rings are provided with obliquely pitched faces which are engageable for twisting the two rings together. The two coupling rings may be of identical construction with each angular-1y pitched eng-ageable face arranged to extend around only part of, for instance around half, the periphery of a coupling ring.

For forming a sealing joint between the two connector halves the coupling members may be provided with sealing faces which may extend both in the axial and in the radial direction.

The contact elements which are to be connected together may be disposed symmetrically on each side of a symmetry plane on a contact bearing plate inserted into each of the coupling members. This advantageous disposition of the contact elements eliminates the possibility of faulty connection because the connector halves and the contact elements can be fitted together in only one particular relative angular position.

Owing to the complete identity of the coupling members there is no need for particular care to ensure that the members actually fit together, All connector halves according to the invention are completely alike and can be coupled together. The stock of spare parts can be reduced accordingly and the halves of the connector can be fitted together in the dark without risk of mistake.

In order to make doubly sure that connector halves which have been joined together cannot become undone, additional locking rings may be provided to embrace the coupling rings. These locking rings may be spring rings and they may be fitted with pins or projections on their insides for engaging holes in the coupling rings in a given axial position. Moreover, if the coupling members have elastic properties the coupling rings themselves may be formed with project-ions and/ or recesses for locking the halves of the connector together in a manner preventing accidental release.

In a particularly simple form of construction the components of the proposed connector may be for instance injection mouldings of plastic. Apart from their relatively low weight :such plastic push-in type connectors have useful properties, particularly in connection with the avoidance of corrosion of the contact elements.

A connector according to the invention is very simple to make and to handle.

Twin blade spring contact-s may be used as contact elements in connectors according to the invention since these have the advantage of permitting a closely spaced plurality of poles with long creep paths to be provided in an extremely compact system. However, this does not exclude the possibility of using other types of contact elementsif circumstances should make these desirable.

Several preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modified form of the connector, shown disenaged;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the same connector shown partly in section, when disengaged;

FIG. 3a is an axial section of one coupling box of the same connector;

FIG. 3b is an end view of the same coupling box;

FIG. 3c is an angled axial section of the same coupling box taken on the line IIII in FIG. 3b;

FIG. 4a is a development of a coupling ring for the connector in the plane of the paper;

FIG. 4b is an end view of the same coupling ring; FIG. 40 is a section through the side wall of the same coupling ring, the section being taken on the line III-III in FIG. 4a;

FIG. 4d is a section through the side wall of the same coupling ring, the section being taken on the line IVIV in FIG. 4a;

FIG. 4e is a section through the side wall of the same coupling ring, the section being taken on the line VV in FIG. 4a;

FIG. 5 is a part sectional side view of the coupling box fitted with a contact bearing plate and an anti-flexing sheath;

FIG. 6 is an axial section of a coupling box screwed into a fixed flange; and

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a contact bearing plate with contact elements embedded in plastic holders, on an enlarged scale.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 30 the proposed push-in connector one coupling box 30a has a cylindrical coupling member 31a of which one half is axially set back to form a semicircular recess 32 on one side and a projecting segmental guide member 33 on the other side. Since the division is diametrical the projecting segment fits into the corresponding recess in the coupling member 31b of an identical coupling box 30b. Each of the coupling members 31a and 31b rearwa'rdly forms a stepped tapering extension 34 which terminates in a threaded bush 35 adjoining a coned sleeve 36.

The coupling boxes 30a and 3011 are hollow, each coupling member 31a and 31b having a cylindrical bore 37 extending about half-way into the same for the reception of a contact bearing plate 63. For securing the contact bearing plate 63 a tapering extension 38 of the bore in the part 34 of the coupling box contains several, for example four diametrically opposed projections 39 with threaded holes 40 on which the contact bearing plate 63 rests and is aflixed by screws or the like. The extension 38 of the bore is followed by a cavity 41 of which the central portion is likewise tapered and which merges into a cylindrical bore 42 in the externally tapering sleeve 36 so that the interior of the coupling boxes 30a and 30b has a repeatedly stepped internal cavity.

The coupling members 31a and 3112 have a circumferential recess 43 formed in the outer surface of their axially projecting portions, whereas the inside of the recessed portions is formed with a cooperating circumferential recess 44. Moreover, a diagonal web member 45 is provided on the vertical and horizontal faces of each of the coupling members 31a and 31b formed by recessing one half of the axial end face and this web member extends into the guide member 33 in the form of an oblique recess 45a. The web members are so arranged that two identical coupling boxes 30a and 30b will fit together. When the two coupling boxes are in engagement the recess 45a on each side of the guide members bears against the web member 45 to form a seal between the vertically abutting faces. For sealing the horizontal joints the axial end face of each guide member 33 has a peripheral beading 46 which fits into a correspondingly shaped groove 47 in the recessed axial faces of the coupling members 31a and 31b when the two coupling boxes are in engagement.

When fitted the one to the other the two coupling boxes 30a and 30b are pressed and held together by two identical coupling rings 48. Each coupling ring 48 (FIGS. 2 and 4a to 46) is of cylindrical shape with a taper end and has an internal bore 49 which conforms with the external diameter of the coupling box. The axial end face of the coupling ring 48 at the coupling end is divided into six equal segments or sectors 50a to 50], the two diametrically opposed segments 50b and Site projecting axially beyond the othersegments 50a, 0, d and f of which each diametrically opposed pair is similarly shaped. The ends of the projecting segments 50b and 50e have an obliquely cut edge. The external surfaces of the projecting segments 50b and 50e are each formed with say three longitudinal ribs 51 which give a better grip when the two cooperating coupling rings are twisted together. The outside surfaces of the segments 50a and 50d near the upper segment edges are each provided with a dovetailed groove 52a and 52b, respectively, (cf. FIG. 40) which likewise extends obliquely outwards and has a depth equal to about of the thickness of the material. The wall portions 53a, 53b above these grooves 52a, 52b are reduced in thickness alongside the grooves to about of the thickness of the other parts of the wall (FIG. 40).

The grooves 52a, 52b extend into the edges of the segments 50c, 50] which at these points are therefore only of the thickness of the full section of the wall. In the projecting segments 50b and 50e the oblique grooves'52a, 52b on the inside of the segments form wide dovetailed recesses 54a, 54b across the full arcuate width of the segments. To permit the two identical coupling rings 48 to engage, the depth of these recesses 54a and 54b is only about /3 of the normal wall thickness, since the lands 55a, 55b above the recesses 54a, 54b are intended to engage the grooves 52a, 52b with their dovetailed cross sections when the'coupling rings 48 are twisted together. The dovetailed construction of the grooves 52a and 52b and of the lands 55a and 55b prevents the coupling rings 48 from expanding or bending and the coupling from becoming undone when subjected to considerable tension or axial drag and relatively high temperatures. The twisting interengagement of the two coupling rings 48 is based on the principleof the inclined plane and the angle of inclination of the oblique grooves 52a, 52b is chosen to provide axial motion equal to the required depth of axial interengagement of the cooperating contact elements 66 and 69. Each coupling ring 48 is held on its coupling box a, 30b by a retaining ring 56 (1 16. 2) which may be threadedly mounted, shrunk or secured by a press fit on the threaded bush portion of the coupling box 30a, 30b.

Attached to the taper sleeve 36 of the coupling box 30a, 30b is a long tapering anti-flexing sheath 57 containing a cable 58. The sheath 57 has a stepped extension I 59 with a circular groove 60 or undercut shoulder for fitting. the same into the taper sleeve 36. A plastic or like outer covering 61 of the cable -58 which projects from the extension 59 inside the sleeve 36 is rolled back against the axial face of the extension 59 and thereby prevents the cable 59 from being pulled out. For further securing the anti-flexing sheath 57 and the cable 58 the extension 59 is encast in a compound 62 which fills the remaining cavity inside the sleeve 36 of the coupling box 30a and which anchors the anti-flexing sheath 57 in the coupling box 30a by filling the annular groove 60 in the extension (cf. FIG. 5)

The cooperation of the casting compound 62 which may be a polyester casting resin, with the anti-flexing sheath 57 and the end of the cable 58 fitted into the coupling box 30a gives rise to a plug joint which will readily withstand axial pressure and tension. The free space which still remains in the coupling box 30a, 30b between the contactbearing plate 63 and the plug joint may likewise be filled with a castable resin compound which retains its elasticity when cast, and which may be introduced through a hole in the contact bearing plate 63. The coupling is thus rendered completely watertight whilst retaining the floating disposition of the individual contact elements 66.

The plastic or like contact bearing plate 63 (FIGS. 5 and 7) comprises a fiat cylindrical base 64 which bears against the face 37a of a second shoulder in the bore 37 of the coupling member 31a, 31b, being afiixed to the adjacent projections 39 by screws or the like. Perpendicularly supported in holders 65 on the face of the bearing plate 64 are the spring contact elements 66. The holders 65 and the spring contact elements 66 are arranged in mirror symmetry in relation to a diametral centre line 67 in such a way that two like contact bearing plates 63 can be fitted together only in one particular relative position. Moreover, on a diameter 68 at right angles to the symmetry line 67, several, say four, contact elements 69 are provided for carrier frequency operation. These cannot be changed over when two contact bearing plates 63 are fitted together because the symmetrical disposition of the contact elements 69 permits only associated contact elements --to cooperate. All the other contact elements always change places in pairs, a circumstance which can be taken into account in the wiring.

It is within the scope of the invention to insert contact bearing plates of like shape containing fewer or more contact elements of larger or smaller size into the connector without any alteration of its design. The shape and type of the contact elements may also be arbitrarily chosen without modification of the connector.

The principle of construction of the connector and of its component parts remains quite unaffected if the contact bearing plates are replaced, since the ingenious design of the push-in connector allows variation of the contact elements used.

The terminal lugs 70 projecting from the rear of the contact bearing plate are connected to several wires 71 combined in the cable 58. It is also within the scope of the invention to omit the terminal sleeve on the coupling box 30a and instead to screw the threaded bush 35 of the coupling box into a flange 72 which may be affixed to a wall, apparatus or the like, so that one of the coupling boxes is fixed (FIG. 6).

The components of the above described push-in connector are assembled as follows:

The two identical segment-shaped coupling members 31b and 31b containing the required contact bearingplates 63 are fitted together by pushing the axially projecting portions into the cooperating. recess 32. When the two coupling members 31a and 31b have thus been pushed part of the way home, resistance is experienced when the cooperating contact elements 66, 69 begin to engage. For overcoming this resistance and the friction between the two cooperating coupling members 31a, 31b use is made of the coupling rings 48 which both movably embrace the coupling members 31a, 31b. The lands 55a, 55b of the segments 50b,

50c engage the obliquely pitched grooves 52a, 52b of the segments 50c, 50 of the cooperating coupling ring and by twisting the coupling rings in opposite directions the lands 55a, 55b can be made to slide into the grooves 52a, 52b of the segments 50a, 50a. The pitch of the grooves 52a, 52b and of the cooperating lands 55a, 55b will pull or push the coupling rings 48 tightly together. The thrust of the rings 48 when closing is transmitted to the coupling members by the wall of the bore 49 of the coupling rings 48, which corresponds to the shape of the coupling members 31a, 31b, the connector being thus closed completely. The opening' thrust is transmitted by the coupling rings 48 to the coupling members 31a, 31b through the retaining rings 56 which are screwed on the threaded sleeve portions 35 of the coupling members 31a, 31b. The described connector may be of metal construction. Nevertheless, it is preferred to make it of plastic, for instance, in the form of injection moulded components.

One of the principal advantages of a pushin connector comprising two identical halves according to the invention is that it prevents the contacts from being engaged otherwise than in a predetermined position. Faulty connection of the members of the connector is thus rendered impossible. This means that the connector is safe to handle and to connect in the dark, because the described form of construction absolutely prevents mistakes from being made. Furthermore, the ingenious method of sealing the connector provides a considerable measure of protection from dust and water.

Especially when contact assemblies of the kind shown in FIGS. 13 and 15 are used in conjunction with plastic coupling boxes with plastic components the resultant contact resistances, attenuations and capacities are most satisfactory, so that the connector may be used as readily for high frequency cables as for cables carrying as much as 15 amps. Moreover, a considerable number of contacts can be incorporated in such a connector.

It will be readily understood that individual components of the push-in connector according to the invention may be strengthened by inserted or embedded metal reinforcements or the like and the mechanical stability of the connector thereby improved.

I claim;

1. A connector comprising insulation means, supporting contact means, and including a coupling member, said connector being adapted to make electrical and mechanical connection with an identical connector, wherein the mating face of the insulation means includes projecting segments, at least one projecting segment forming guiding faces engageable with the guiding faces of an identical connector, said contact means being disposed symmetrically on each side of a symmetry plane and extending from the mating face of the insulation means, at least one projecting segment extending axially beyond the other segments, said coupling member comprising a ring housing an obliquely pitched face which is engageable with a similar face on a coupling member of an identical connector. 2. A connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein seals are provided on opposite faces of the coupling members.

3. A connector as in claim 2 wherein a beaded edge which forms a sealing element is provided on the axial ends of the guiding faces.

4. A connector as in claim 3 wherein a groove is formed in the recessed axial face of each coupling memher.

5. A connector as in claim 2 wherein a contact bearing plate is inserted in each coupling member and contacts of the contact bearing plate being fiat contact members, each comprising a pair of blades.

6. A connector as set forth in claim 3 wherein the contacts on the contact bearing plate are disposed in mirror symmetry on either side of a diametral symmetry plane.

7. A connector as set forth in claim 6 wherein the contact elements on one side of the symmetry plane are arranged at an angle to the contact elements on the other side of the symmetry plane.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,606,224 8/1952 Modrey 33949 2,739,290 3/1956 Child et a1. 339-49 2,824,290 2/1958 Archer et al. 339-49 2,987,691 6/ 1961 Ross 339-49 3,086,188 4/1963 Ross 339-49 3,129,993 4/1964 Ross 33949 FOREIGN PATENTS 864,525 1/1941 France.

PATRICK A. CLIFFORD, Primary Examiner.

W. DONALD MILLER, Examiner. 

1. CONNECTOR COMPRISING INSULATION MEANS, SUPPORTING CONTACT MEANS, AND INCLUDING A COUPLING MEMBER, SAID CONNECTOR BEING ADAPTED TO MAKE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CONNECTION WITH AN IDENTICAL CONNECTOR, WHEREIN THE MATING FACE OF THE INSULATION MEANS INCLUDES PROJECTING SEGMENTS, AT LEAST ONE PROJECTING SEGMENT FORMING GUIDING FACES ENGAGEABLE WITH THE GUIDING FACES OF AN IDENTICAL CONNECTOR, SAID CONTACT MEANS BEING DISPOSED SYMMETRICALLY ON EACH SIDE OF A SYMMETRY PLANE AND EXTENDING FROM THE MATING FACE OF THE INSULATION MEANS, AT LEAST ONE PROJECTING SEGMENT EXTENDING AXIALLY BEYOND THE OTHER SEGMENTS, SAID COUPLING MEMBER COMPRISING A RING HOUSING AN OBLIQUELY PITCHED FACE WHICH IS ENGAGEABLE WITH A SIMILAR FACE ON A COUPLING MEMBER OF AN IDENTICAL CONNECTOR. 